Summary
Nineteen states and Washington, D.C., are suing Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to stop a plan by the Trump administration to block payments for gender-affirming care for minors. The states argue that stopping these payments is beyond the health department's authority and violates laws related to Medicare and Medicaid. Major medical groups support gender-affirming care as necessary and possibly lifesaving for transgender youth.
Key Facts
- Nineteen states and Washington, D.C., filed a lawsuit against Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- The lawsuit aims to stop a plan to block Medicare and Medicaid payments for gender-affirming care to minors.
- The states argue that the plan exceeds the health secretary's authority and violates existing laws.
- Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield is leading the lawsuit effort.
- The Trump administration announced a proposed ban on federal funds for youth gender-affirming care.
- Major medical organizations see gender-affirming care as crucial and potentially lifesaving for transgender youth.
- States participating in the lawsuit include California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, among others.
- The issue aligns with President Donald Trump's executive order to stop federal support for such care.
